South Africa has officially joined the race to host the 2030 International Rugby
League (IRL) Men’s Rugby League World Cup. South Africa will join four other
nations in presenting a bid in the most geographically extensive bidding group in
men’s rugby league (RL) history. The IRL also announced earlier in the week that
South Africa will also be presenting a bid for the 2028 (IRL) Women’s Rugby League
World Cup.
Alongside South Africa, bids will be tabled by Papua New Guinea, Kenya, New
Zealand and the United States. The local promoter for the South African event is
Maxxium Sport Enterprise, a sports agency boasting experience working on some of
South Africa’s biggest sporting events.
Chris Botes, Bid Lead, commented: South Africa has a long historical association
with rugby league, having played from 1956 and competed in the 1995 and 2000
Rugby League World Cups and sending a student team to the 2013 Rugby League
World Cup in Leeds, United Kingdom. South Africa got close to hosting the 2017
Rugby League World Cup and we are now in a strong position to host the 2030
Men’s Rugby League World Cup and possible also the 2028 Women’s Rugby
League World Cup. Both events bring significant tourism numbers to South Africa
and has tremendous economic benefit to all South Africans.
South African RL president Dr Frans Erasmus believes hosting the 2030 World Cup
will be a pivotal opportunity for elevating the sport's profile in both South Africa and
the African continent
"We are thrilled to announce our bid to host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup. This
represents not only a monumental opportunity for South African Rugby League but
also for the entire continent. Our history of successfully hosting major international
sporting events, combined with our world-class facilities and the unwavering support
of our fans, positions us uniquely to deliver an extraordinary World Cup experience.
This bid is more than just an event; it's a chance to solidify rugby league's place on
both the international and national sports calendars and to showcase the growth and
passion for the sport in South Africa and beyond."
He added: “With the unwavering support of our passionate sport fans, our world-
class facilities and the backing of our dedicated stakeholders, we are confident that
South Africa will deliver a truly exceptional IRL World Cup experience, setting a new
standard for excellence."
Rugby league, also known as rugby league football or ‘footy’ in Oceania is a full-
contact sport, first played in England in 1985. While the game is similar to Rugby
Union, both in terms of name and style of play, there are a few fundamental
differences, particularly regarding the rules. While playing with a rugby ball, the
game only involves 13 players per side, and features no lineouts or rucks amongst
other things. It is also considered to be much more physical and dynamic than its
rugby cousin, and often features ‘big hits’ and fast play, making it an entertaining
watch from minute one to 80.
The RL World Cup was first hosted in France in 1954, making it the second-oldest
World Cup event in the world, behind only the FIFA World Cup. South Africa’s
involvement in the sport began three years later when a South African side played
against England and France on home soil in two matches. The South African team,
known as the Rhinos, has competed in multiple World Cups, making it all the way to
the quarterfinals in 2013 Student edition. They have a chance to qualify for the 2026
(IRL) International Rugby League World Cup in Australia at the 2025 IRL World
Series.
www.sarugbyleague.co.za
Queries: media@maxxium.co.za